Can Tofu Go Bad?
Tofu can go bad, but its spoilage time varies depending on whether the tofu is opened or unopened, and its storage methods. Unopened tofu can go well for up to 3 months past the expiration date which after opening must be consumed within 4 to 5 days.
I’ll explain the signs that your tofu has gone bad so you know when it’s time to unwrap your tofu. There are several signs by which you can determine if tofu has gone bad and is not suitable for consumption. See if you can spot some of the signs I discussed earlier to determine if the tofu has gone bad.
By the way, if you’re interested in Can Jam Go Bad, check out my article on that.
If your tofu smells rotten, you know the tofu has gone bad. Tofu has gone bad if it has mold on it, has a strange color, is long past its expiration date, or has an odor.
| Storage | Shelf life |
| In refrigerator | 1 month |
| Once opened | 3-4 days |
| Shelf stable tofu | Few months or up to 1 year |
Tofu is a very healthy food that can replace meat in many dishes, but it spoils quickly. Tofu is one of the healthiest foods on the market, but you can only maximize its health benefits by eating it while it’s still at its best.
The manufacturer makes it with curds, which means it has a shelf life like any other dairy product. Tofu goes bad beyond its shelf life because most people soak it in water, which causes spoilage. If you store tofu properly, it is safe to eat until its expiration date.
To learn about Can Hummus Go Bad, check out my article where I cover everything you need to know.
If the tofu has been stored properly, you can still use it in your dishes even if the tofu has expired or expired. If you buy tofu that has not been stored in the refrigerator compartment, you can store it at room temperature until you open it. Chilled tofu, if unopened, can be refrigerated 3-5 days after the expiration date.
Tofu found in the refrigeration section of a supermarket usually has a shelf life of 1-3 months. This type of tofu will also have an expiration date, but you will usually find that the tofu is 6-9 months old.
If the tofu has not been refrigerated properly, it may even spoil before its expiration date. If tofu is stored properly and unopened, it should be stored for at least two months after the production date. Tofu is safe to consume for 2-3 months after the stated production date.
If your tofu has a production date on it, you should expect it to stay good for 2-3 months after that date when stored properly. A bag of fresh tofu will keep 3-5 days past the date printed on the package, but there are many other things to consider. Once unpacked, tofu can usually be refrigerated for 3-7 days if stored properly (see below for how to do this).
Freezing tofu extends its shelf life to three months, and refrigeration from three to five days. With proper storage, you can extend the shelf life of tofu. How long your tofu will last depends on the storage method, how long you’ve kept it since you bought it (whether opened or unopened), and more. If you can’t consume tofu within a few days, you can freeze it.
To maximize the shelf life of tofu, do not open the package until it is ready to eat. Freezing gives tofu the longest shelf life, more than 3 months beyond the shelf life. Once opened, this type of tofu must be refrigerated and used within 3-5 days of opening, regardless of shelf life.
Unopened tofu can be refrigerated for about 5-7 days after the “permit” date on the package if stored properly. If your tofu has been properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer and past its expiration date, it’s safe to eat, but be sure to test it before you start cooking it. If tofu has been sitting in the pantry or refrigerator for a long time, be sure to check it for signs of spoilage to avoid the negative effects of eating expired tofu.
Eating bad tofu can cause food poisoning, so it’s important to be able to recognize when to cut it out. Understanding the signs of bad tofu is important for your health.
You can also tell the product has gone bad by the change in color before the tofu becomes moldy. In rare cases, bad tofu will also change color, but only in the worst cases.
Do not leave a packet of tofu on the kitchen counter, as it will spoil at room temperature. If the tofu has not been opened, you can keep it in its original packaging in the refrigerator. If you think you’ll be using whole tofu in the future, you can. Of course, if you keep tofu in the refrigerator, it’s safe to eat for a week or even longer than the date.
You can freeze cooked tofu if you like, and it will also keep for 3-5 months after opening the original packaging. Unopened frozen tofu can be stored in the freezer for many months and even years, however the maximum recommended time for freezing tofu is 3-4 months to minimize flavor loss as much as possible. Storing unopened tofu in the refrigerator will extend the shelf life to a week than recommended, however, if you don’t plan to use the tofu at any point, the best way to store it is to place it in the freezer. Opened tofu, cooked tofu, or leftover tofu can only be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days, so if you’re not going to eat all of the opened tofu at once, you should consider putting the leftover in the freezer to use in a second. moment.
What happens if you eat expired tofu?
A properly refrigerated tofu is usually kept with water, and when it is placed in the refrigerator for too long, it will be a higher chance of microbial degradation. A person who has eaten expired tofu may reveal digestive problems and other signs similar to food poisoning.
How long can you keep tofu in the fridge?
Tofu that has been shelf-stable for a few months to a year has a longer shelf life than tofu that has been chilled for only one month or two. Tofu may be kept in the fridge for three to four days after opening the packet. Both frozen and shelf-stable tofu fall under this category.